Rumblings in Florida that Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is working behind the scenes to get his wife elected as the state's next governor since he is termed out are being viewed as a huge gamble that could impact any political future he may have.
According to a report from Politico, Casey DeSantis, once derided by former Rep. Dave Jolly (R-FL) as "America's Karen" when she took center stage as her husband waged a losing battle to be the GOP's 2024 presidential nominee, is being hyped up as a legitimate candidate despite never having served in office before.
After the Wall Street Journal reported that Gov. DeSantis and his wife Casey were seen dining with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago recently, speculation continued to grow that they may be angling for an endorsement while many political observers believe Trump will give the nod to Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) who was left standing on the sidelines when Trump doled out Cabinet appointments.
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According to Politico's Kimberly Leonard, a recent appearance by Casey DeSantis, "had the trappings and feeling of a soft launch. It featured Gov. Ron DeSantis praising her work on spurring cancer research, on programs to build resiliency against mental health challenges, and on Hope Florida, which works to connect businesses and nonprofits with families in need."
The governor hinted, "I’ve had people coming up to me for years, begging to get her into the fray,” which has only added fuel to the fire that she may make a bid, but there are doubters who believe she might falter and take her husband down.
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According to one Florida political insider, "This would undoubtedly be the hardest fight the DeSantises have ever had. Can Gov. DeSantis risk it? Lord knows he cares about his legacy, probably more than most. If Casey loses, you could say goodbye to any ‘28 presidential run.”
The report notes that Republicans in the state are holding back on their own endorsements out of fear Trump may have plans to back Donalds who has been a vociferous defender of the Trump during his television appearances.
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